How Old Was Diane Keaton's Children When She Adopted Them

Diane Keaton is the queen of cool. We know her as the fearless, clap-wearing, bow-tie-sporting icon from Annie Hall and the eternally loving mom from The Parent Trap. But off-screen, her most starring role is as a single mother by choice—and it’s a story that’s as heartwarming as it is practical.

So, just how old were Diane Keaton’s children when she adopted them? Let’s dive into the timeline, because the ages are actually a big part of what makes her parenting journey so relatable.

The Daughter: Dexter (Now Duke)

Keaton adopted her first child, a daughter named Dexter, in 1996. Dexter was just four days old when Keaton brought her home from the hospital. Yes, you read that right—four days. That’s practically “fresh from the stork” territory.

Keaton named her Dexter, which she later admitted was a bold choice for a girl. In 2020, Dexter came out as transgender and chose the name Duke, and Keaton publicly supported him with the same unruffled grace she brings to everything.

Fun fact: Keaton has joked that she chose to adopt an infant because she was “too impatient” to wait for a toddler. “I wanted the whole experience,” she once told People—from midnight feedings to first steps.

Quick Tip for New Adoptive Parents

If you’re considering newborn adoption, don’t underestimate the paperwork. Keaton has said the process was “like planning a wedding every week for a year.” Have a dedicated binder for documents and a support buddy to keep you sane.

The Son: Duke’s Little Brother

Five years later, in 2001, Keaton adopted her son, Duke (yes, the same name her daughter later chose—life is wild). Duke was 15 months old when he joined the family. That’s a toddler—full of opinions, curiosity, and the kind of energy that makes you appreciate naptime.

Diane Keaton's family reveals the actress' cause of death. “Even old

Keaton has described Duke as being “already a little person” when he arrived. She loved that she didn’t miss the babbling and stumbling stage, but she also admits it was a “crash course in toddler logic.”

For context, Keaton was 55 years old when she adopted Duke. That fact alone is a quiet, powerful middle finger to anyone who thinks parenting has an expiration date.

Practical Tip: The Toddler Transition

When adopting a child past infancy, routine is your best friend. Keaton kept Duke’s schedule tight—same bedtime, same breakfast, same walk. Familiarity builds trust faster than any toy or treat can.

Why She Chose Older Kids (Sort Of)

Keaton has said she never had a rigid “ideal age” in mind. She simply followed what felt right. Duke arrived in her life through an adoption agency that specialized in “waiting children”—kids who are often overlooked because they’re not newborns.

This is where her story gets culturally smart. In a world obsessed with the “baby bump” narrative, Keaton skipped the Instagram-worthy nursery photo shoots and went straight for the messy, real stuff. She once told The New York Times that she “didn’t want to be a perfect mom. I wanted to be a present mom.”

Who are Diane Keaton's family? The two children who were adopted by

Pop culture reference: Think of it like the difference between a perfectly curated Pinterest board and the actual living room where your toddler draws on the walls. Keaton chose the living room.

The Age Gap: A Sibling Dynamic

Duke was 15 months old when Dexter was 5½. That’s a four-year age gap—big enough for some sweet sibling mentorship, small enough for plenty of shared Legos. Keaton has said she loved that Dexter could help with Duke’s sippy cup but still needed her own cuddles.

If you’re parenting a mixed-age sibling pair, remember this: Each child’s adoption story is unique. Keaton made sure Dexter and Duke knew their “gotcha days” were celebrated—but not compared.

Fun Little Fact

Keaton once admitted that when Duke was a toddler, he would “help” her water the plants by dumping the entire watering can on her shoes. She said it was her favorite memory of his first year home. Wet shoes, happy heart.

What We Can Learn From Diane’s Timeline

The big takeaway? Age doesn’t define readiness—love does. Keaton adopted a newborn and a toddler, both at times in her life when she felt ready, not when society told her it was appropriate.

Found Family! Celebrity Parents With Heartwarming Adoption Stories

For anyone considering adoption, let Keaton’s path remind you: You are not too old. You are not too busy. You are not too anything. She was 50 when she adopted Dexter, 55 with Duke. That’s two whole decades beyond the so-called “ideal” age for first-time parents.

Also, she did it alone. No partner, no co-parent, just her and a lot of coffee. If that isn’t a power move, I don’t know what is.

A Short Reflection for Daily Life

Diane Keaton’s adoption story is really a story about trusting your own timing. Maybe you’re not adopting a child, but maybe you’re starting a new job, moving to a new city, or finally learning how to bake sourdough after years of thought. The lesson is the same: the perfect moment is the one you choose.

So next time you’re unsure if you’re “ready” for something big, channel Diane. Buy the bow tie. Adopt the toddler at 55. Water your own shoes. The world will catch up.

—And if you ever meet Duke or Dexter, now you know exactly how old they were when the magic started. Four days. Fifteen months. A lifetime of unconventional, unapologetic love.